Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box. The Universal Support Bracket has two brackets, each bracket being U-shaped and having two arms, the arms of one bracket being dimensionally larger than the arms of the other bracket and having a channel for purposes of receiving the arms of the smaller second bracket. The arms of the bracket may have a series of parallel bores, capable of receiving a fastener to lock the arms in place. The invention includes a snap-on fitting with a central opening for receiving an electrical junction box.

PRIORITY

Priority is claimed based on the Jul. 11, 2008 filing of provisional application 61,080,217, said application being specifically incorporated herewith in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In construction of commercial, industrial and residential spaces, building and electrical codes require that the framing members of walls be generally spaced at either 16 inches or 24 inches on center. Occasionally, the span is more or less than 16 inches on center, depending on construction circumstances. Wall framing may consist of metal or wood stud members, generally attached to floor sole plates and top plates. Codes also specify certain criteria for the installation of electrical junction boxes between stud framing members. The electrical junction box is generally affixed to the stud framing members by nailing the box to the stud. Occasionally, building specifications call for the installation of electrical junction boxes between stud members and up to 26 inches as measured from the floor sole plate.

A problem arises when one wants to place the electrical junction box between stud framing members at some predetermined distance other than contiguous with one of the stud framing members. Problems also arise when one wants to install multiple electrical junction boxes in the same general area and on the same horizontal plane. If the electrical junction boxes are to be installed parallel to each other, the two must either be connected directly to each other or they must be installed on adjacent stud framing members.

Prior art discloses a wall bracket, either of fixed length or telescoping, consisting of a single arm with each end of the bracket being attached to adjacent stud framing members. An electrical junction box can then be attached to the arm with screws. A problem with the prior art is that the installed electrical junction box is prone to movement around the arm. Another problem is that prior art uses screws to attach to arms which means that the electrical junction box can only be attached to predetermined spots where holes are located. A further problem is that the wall bracket cannot be affixed to a sole plate. Prior art also discloses a floor bracket consisting of a single arm for attachment to a sole plate. A problem with the floor brackets disclosed by the prior art is that the brackets cannot be affixed to adjacent framing members. Finally, the prior art also discloses a fixed dual arm bracket for mounting a ceiling fan. The problem with this design is that the arms are not telescoping and the placement of the electrical junction box is at a fixed location. Further, the design is not suitable for attachment to a floor sole plate.

The present invention related to a Universal Support Bracket that can be installed either between stud framing members or attached to a sole plate. The Universal Support Bracket consists of two U-shaped brackets, each bracket having two arms which are adjustable with respect to each other. The Universal Support Bracket has tabs on each end allowing each end to be securely fastened to a different stud framing member. The Universal Support Bracket has a snap-on member allowing attachment at any point on the arms of the Universal Support Bracket. The 2 U-shaped brackets prevent pivoting of the electrical junction box after installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 contains a trimetric view of the Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 contains a trimetric view of the Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 contains a trimetric view of the Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 contains a trimetric view of the Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 contains a trimetric view of the Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 contains a trimetric view of the Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box affixed to framing members according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 contains a trimetric view of the Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box affixed to framing members according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 contains a front view of the Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box affixed to framing members according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 contains a trimetric view of the rear of Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box affixed to framing members according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 contains a trimetric view of the snap-on fitting according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a Universal Support Bracket for an Electrical Junction Box. An objective of the invention is to provide for a support bracket for an electrical junction box that allows for either horizontal or vertical installation. A further objective is to provide for an adjustable bracket allowing the bracket to span up to 26 inches, thereby allowing one bracket to be used in a multitude of applications. A further objective is to provide for a support bracket that allows for placement of the electrical junction box at a plurality of locations within the span of the bracket. A further objective is to provide for a support bracket that has the ability to prevent undesirable movement such as deflection, to prevent movement of the electrical junction box back into the wall cavity space area of a stud framed wall, and to prevent the pivoting or rocking motion of the electrical junction box when it is supported from a central point at the center back of a box with conventional supports. A further objective is to provide for a snap on installation feature of the electrical junction box to one of the slidably adjustable bracket without the use of fasteners, which function further enhances the ability of the box to accommodate job-site positioning requirements.

Referring to FIG. 1, it is seen that the Universal Support Bracket [1] comprises two rigidly formed, rectangular U-shaped brackets, each bracket having two arms. One U-shaped bracket is dimensionally larger than the other. As seen in FIG. 2, each arm is formed such that it has a channel [12] for receiving the arms of the smaller dimensioned bracket, such that the two brackets are slidably adjustable with respect to each other. As seen in FIG. 4, there are a plurality of equally spaced bores [13] through the arms and the position of the brackets relative to each other can be locked by aligning the bores in the arms of the slidably adjustable brackets and locking the position with appropriate fastener [14], such as a locking pin, cotter pin, nut and bolt or a screw. Referring to FIG. 4, it is seen that on each end of the slidably adjustable brackets is one or more tabs [15]. As seen in FIG. 7, fasteners can be used to nail or screw the tab of the Universal Support Bracket to a framing member [8]. As seen in FIG. 2, for vertical attachment, one tab can be formed with a 90 degree bend [16] to allow for attachment to a floor sole plate. As seen in FIG. 8, a brace [6] can be attached to the Universal Support Bracket to provide extra support when attached to the sole plate.

Referring to FIG. 1, it is seen that the invention also comprises a snap-on fitting [2] for an electrical junction box [3]. Referring now to FIG. 10, it is seen that the snap-on fitting has two or more pre-formed brackets or tabs [17] on opposing sides of the snap-on fitting. The brackets, or tabs, of the snap-on fitting are folded and dimensioned to correspond with the dimensions of the arms of the U-shaped brackets, such that the snap-on fitting is slidably adjustable when mounted on each arm of the brackets. The snap-on fitting is generally rectangular in shape and contains a central opening. [18] As seen in FIG. 1, the electrical junction box may be mounted to the snap-on fitting with one or more fasteners. [19] After the electrical junction box has been mounted to the snap-on fitting, the interior of the electrical junction box is accessible through the central opening. The snap-on fitting is attached to the slidably adjustable bracket at one of the bore holes with a screw by the installer, allowing for placement of the electrical junction box at any of multiple positions withing the span of the slidably adjustable arms.

As seen in FIG. 9, an attachment bar with a built in back support [9] can be attached to the electrical junction box. The back support is bendable [10] and can be bent into a position such that it rests against the wall covering. [11] This prevents movement of the electrical junction box into the interior of the wall cavity. It further prevents undesirable movement such as deflection, prevents movement of the electrical junction box back into the wall cavity space area of a stud framed wall, and prevents the pivoting or rocking motion of the electrical junction box when it is supported from a central point at the center back of a box with conventional supports. 

1. An Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box comprising: A first U-shaped bracket, said bracket having two arms, each arm having a channel, and said first U-shaped bracket having a tab on one end; a second U-shaped brackets, said bracket having two arms and being of such predetermined dimension as to be slidably insertable into the channels of the arms of the said first U-shaped bracket, and said second U-shaped bracket having a tab on one end; a snap-on fitting, said fitting having a central opening for receiving an electrical junction box.
 2. The Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box of claim 1 wherein the arms of said first and second U-shaped brackets have a series of parallel bores and one or more fasteners for locking the arms in position.
 3. An Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box comprising: A first U-shaped bracket, said bracket having two arms, each arm having a channel, and said first U-shaped bracket having a tab on one end; a second U-shaped brackets, said bracket having two arms and being of such predetermined dimension as to be slidably insertable into the channels of the arms of the said first U-shaped bracket, and said second U-shaped bracket having a tab on one end; a snap-on fitting, said fitting having a central opening for receiving an electrical junction box; an attachment bar with a built in back support fixedly attached to the electrical junction box.
 4. The Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box of claim 3 wherein the arms of said first and second U-shaped brackets have a series of parallel bores and one or more fasteners for locking the arms in position. 